| Light Duty Private vs. public refueling infrastructure By Michael Taylor, Director, Autogas Business Development, PERC When a fl eet has decided it’s time to transition to an alternative fuel, one of the big questions is: How will refueling differ from traditional vehicle fl eets like gasoline or diesel. With propane autogas, the questions about refueling can be put to rest quickly. That’s because one of propane autogas’ most attractive advantages for fl eets is its refueling versatility. This alternative fuel, with a track record of lowering a fl eet’s total cost of ownership, offers a whole host of on-site refueling options. The right one depends on the fl eet’s specifi c refueling needs. Companies considering adding propane autogas vehicles to its fl eet can determine the best refueling infrastructure for its organization by working with a propane retailer to determine if on-site private stations, private refueling networks or using existing public infrastructure is best, based on a fl eet’s size, routes, budget and facility space. Propane autogas on-site infrastructure is the most affordable to install of any fuel, and a centralized location offers convenience and reduced downtime for drivers. Depending on fl eet size companies can fi nd that a standard private station or an advanced private station best fi t its needs. For both, fl eets can lease infrastructure from a propane retailer or purchase its own infrastructure. A standard private station works best for smaller fl eets. Refueling stations with 1,000- to 2,000-gallon capacity tanks and a single dispenser are compact and able to support fl eets of a smaller size without taking up much more space than a parking stall. In some cases, a fl eet’s propane retailer may help pay for some of the costs associated with refueling infrastructure. Upfront costs for fl eets using infrastructure provided by propane retailer range from $1,500 to $5,000, with equipment affordably leased. By contrast, costs for fl eets buying its own infrastructure, including propane tanks, pump, motor and dispenser, range from $25,000 to $50,000, on top of the costs of site preparation. For larger fl eets, an advanced private station makes sense. These advanced stations provide greater fuel storage capacity and other amenities not found in the standard private station. Site preparation for a multiple-dispenser setup will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500. Total infrastructure costs can range from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the complexity of the infrastructure. Amenities with these larger stations can include a canopy, propane tank, pump, motor and dispenser with card lock and vehicle tracking capability. REFUELING NETWORKS A refueling network can be a good option for fl eets with limited space, or larger fl eets with extensive routes and service areas that may not “return to base” at the end of a workday. Refueling networks are either public or private, but all offer the advantage of 24/7 access, typically through a card-lock system. A public refueling network is operated by propane retailers and often allows fl eets to identify and maintain records of vehicles by VIN, driver, fuel type and gallons dispensed, as well as the date and time of the transaction. Because the infrastructure is already in place, there is no cost to the fl eet. A private refueling network owned and operated by the fl eets themselves, or by a group of fl eets that come together and share the costs involved. Like a public network, a card-lock system allows fl eets to easily identify and maintain vehicles’ refueling records in a private network. Private networks are ideal for fl eets running longer routes across large service areas. Plus, fl eets can tailor the complexity of the refueling stations and locations to optimize the fl eet’s routes and reduce downtime at the pump. With so many options for refueling, fl eet managers can comfortably move away from traditional fuel vehicles and select a refueling model that best fi ts their fl eet’s needs. Tailoring a refueling strategy that makes sense for a fl eet’s individual refueling needs helps fl eets reap all of propane autogas’ benefi ts, including a quick return on investment and low total cost-of-ownership throughout the life of a vehicle. For more information on propane autogas vehicles, incentives and refueling, visit propane.com/on-roadfl eets/refueling. Michael Taylor is director of autogas business development for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) – a leader in propane safety, training programs and products (www.propanecouncil. org). EQUIPMENT LIGHTING SOLUTIONS Every farmer knows that work doesn't stop until the job is done, with or without the sun. Increase the light output and visibility while decreasing the draw on your tractor, trailer, or other equipment. LIFETIME WARRANTY For commercial pricing call 866-590-3533 or email VehicleServicePros.com10835177 LED WORK LIGHTS Auxiliary work lights with a variety of options and configurations that fit just about any need, anywhere. STROBES/ BEACONS SAE Class 1 beacons, magnetic base fixtures and mini-strobes in choice size, mode and color option. LED TRUCK & TRAILER Complete selection of DOT & SAE approved truck and trailer LED lights, accessories, and replacement bulbs. commercial-sales@superbrightleds.com Cleaner Degreaser Safely Dissolves Grease and Oils on Most Everything. Maintains floors for less than $1.00 a day! NON -TOXIC NON- CORROSIVE BIODEGRADABLE SAFEsm VehicleServicePros.com/10094365 Cleaner f Degreaser Flex Line f Aqueous Parts Washer t “ULTRA” Concentrated t Biodegradable t Non-Corrosive t Non-Toxic call 1-800-528-0334 or visit www.oileater.com For FREE sample visit http://tiny.cc/oileater 32 FLEET MAINTENANCE ❚ OCTOBER 2016 ❚ VehicleServicePros.com
FleetMaintenance_October_2016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above